Scientists Reveal That Redheads Are Actually Genetic Superheroes

Did you know that only about 1 – 2 percent of the population are redheads? One woman, Erin La Rosa has recently published a new book titled: The Big Redhead Book: Inside the Secret Society of Red. In her book, she describes that natural red-haired people should be proud of having red hair. She also writes about the biological advantages to being “ginger.”

What Makes a Redhead?

No wonder red heads get so much attention. They are obviously special and rare. The red locks are caused by a gene mutation called MC1R and is related to a pigment called pheomelanin that makes the hair red.

While redhead children may be embarrassed by being different, they should be proud and celebrate being a ginger. After all, they have quite a fun group among them such Prince Harry, Ed Sheeran, Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore and fictional characters like Anne of Green Gables and Jessica Rabbit.

Are they really Superheros?

Erin reveals many interesting facts about being a redhead. She points out that they’re the “unicorns of the human world”.

What’s more, she also thinks that they’re blessed in a more important way. She says that according to research, redheads can handle pain more effectively than others, because of the MC1R gene mutation that gives their hair its color.

Additionally, a 2003 McGill University study shows that women who have natural red hair tend to tolerate about twenty-five percent more pain compared to women who do not have natural red hair.

According to the researchers from The University of Louisville, redheads need about twenty percent more general anaesthesia when they undergo a surgery. This means that redheads are actually super resilient people.

Furthermore, according to a University of Louisville study carried out in 2005, redheads are also more sensitive to temperature changes.

Namely, these people are actually the first to tell others when winter is on its way. This may not be so pleasant for some, but it is certainly a superpower! Who needs a weather frog if your redhead friend can tell you what to expect?

That’s not all, these people require less vitamin D compared to others as well as they are capable of producing more of this vitamin in a shorter period of time thanks to the MC1R gene mutation.

Considering that most of the population is deficient in vitamin D, an essential vitamin that can fight diseases like MS, heart disease, the flu, depression, fibromyalgia and even help weight loss, having the natural ability to produce the vitamin is an added bonus.

Reading about all these benefits, all non-redheads will wish they were born ginger too. If you are a redhead you should not only celebrate your beautiful hair but all the health advantages it brings you.